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Hepatitis A and B booster recommendations: implications for travelers
Jane N Zuckerman1, Bradley A Connor, Frank von Sonnenburg
1Academic Centre for Travel Medicine and Vaccines and Royal Free Travel Health Centre, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Travel Medicine, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom. j.zuckerman@medsch.ucl.ac.uk
Summary
For most travelers, the primary hepatitis A and B vaccination course offers long-term protection. Booster vaccinations are generally not needed for immunocompetent individuals, but may be for special groups.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Hepatitis A and B are significant vaccine-preventable diseases with overlapping transmission patterns.
- Travelers are at risk of hepatitis A and B infection if unvaccinated.
- Current practices for hepatitis A and B vaccine boosters vary globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent recommendations on hepatitis A and B booster vaccinations.
- To discuss the implications of these recommendations for travelers.
- To address the need for monitoring antibody levels in specific populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent recommendations on hepatitis A and B vaccine boosters.
- Analysis of implications for traveler vaccination strategies.
- Discussion of immunogenicity in special populations and antibody monitoring.
Main Results:
- Primary vaccination courses for hepatitis A and B vaccines are highly effective.
- Booster vaccination policies for hepatitis A and B differ worldwide.
- Further research is needed on vaccine immunogenicity in immunocompromised individuals.
Conclusions:
- The primary vaccination course for hepatitis A and B provides long-term protection for most immunocompetent travelers.
- Booster vaccinations are typically not required for the majority of travelers.
- Monitoring antibody levels is crucial for immunocompromised individuals to determine the need for boosters.
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